The first mass at Sainte-Cécile was held in a simple shanty. This was in 1842. Many Irish Catholic workers lived there. They toiled on the Beauharnois Canal.
Sainte-Cécile in Montreal has a rich history. It’s a French-speaking parish. Its official records began in 1911. The parish was established from parts of other parishes. These were Saint-Édouard Saint-Jean-de-la-Croix Saint-Laurent and Notre-Dame-du-Saint-Rosaire.
The current church building wasn’t built until much later. It stands proudly at 7390 Henri-Julien Avenue. The original church was built between 1855 and 1857. It was later replaced. The current Sainte-Cécile church was constructed between 1933 and 1935. This was after a devastating fire destroyed the previous building. The new church is Neo-Gothic in style. It’s a significant landmark in the Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough.
The construction of the first church wasn’t without challenges. There were disagreements. There were disagreements between the priest and church officials. Materials were scarce. Suppliers were not paid on time. The location was also a point of contention. Some wanted the church away from factories and Protestant neighbours. The final location was chosen. It’s where the current basilica-cathedral stands.
Mgr Ignace Bourget the bishop of Montreal chose the name Sainte-Cécile. This was despite the local preference for other names. The first church was relatively small. It measured 142 feet long 64 feet wide and 36 feet high.
Over time Sainte-Cécile grew. It underwent expansions and renovations. The bells of Sainte-Cécile are particularly noteworthy. Cast in 1935 by the renowned Mears & Stainbank foundry they have a powerful sound. They are among the largest in Canada. They were brought over on the SS Montrose II ship. They were blessed in a ceremony attended by several bishops. The bells were restored in 2021 thanks to a generous donation.
Sainte-Cécile parish has witnessed many events. It has hosted important religious ceremonies. It has also been a place of community gathering. Sainte-Cécile is more than just a church. It’s a living testament to faith resilience and the enduring spirit of Montreal’s community.